Wow, December already? That sure was fast. Holidays just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s holiday party time! What can we say, it's been a tough year all around, but haven't we all earned the right to celebrate a little bit as it finally winds down. Anyway, there’s a whole host of places we kind of like here at “BEST OF THE BEST,” so we thought we’d at least share a few with you. But you’d better hurry, because time's a wasting…

Ridgewood

GOTTSCHEER HALL

657 Fairview Avenue

(718) 366-3030

We love the cozy, convivial ambience here. And we love the authentic German cuisine, too – spaetzle, leberkaese, and more – not to mention the nice selection of German beers on tap. So if you’re looking for a little old-world charm to your holiday party, how about giving Will Osanitsch a call and considering GOTTSCHEER HALL? And if it’s your very first time, we’re sure it won’t be your last!

Maspeth

CONNOLLY’S CORNER

71-15 Grand Avenue

(718) 565-7383

One of the most spacious party rooms around – literally on the “corner” – this is the perfect place to have a private gathering for up to 70-80 people, with most importantly, an exceptional menu to go along with it. No doubt reservations are flying fast and furious, so you’d best contact Matt or Pat Connolly soon to book your gathering.

Rego Park

JOE ABBRACCIAMENTO

62-96 Woodhaven Boulevard

(718) 478-6463

One of the best in the game, this catering hall can host quite a few parties at once, given how much real estate they’ve got right there on Woodhaven (including the site of the old Drake Theater). But more to the point, what you get here is exceptional service, and some of the best tasting Italian food around.

Floral Park

BOB’S PLACE

230 Jericho Turnpike

(516) 354-8185

BOB’S PLACE is absolutely one of our new favorite restaurants, and we’re sure it’ll soon be one of yours, too. As intriguing and eclectic as its design is, so too is their menu – a blend called New American that features combinations of flavors and textures that you’ll find as savory as they are impressive. With so many nooks and crannies to this attractive venue, count on Bob Manning to find the perfect location within for your get-together, and count on exceptional service here from the very moment you arrive.

Greenpoint

RED STAR BAR

37 Greenpoint Avenue

(718) 349-0149

We just can’t help loving the idea of a two-story sports bar – especially when you get to have the whole second floor to yourself! And with your own private bar! Looking for a place to host a big party, why not give General Manager Eric Hall a call and we’re sure he can hook you up. (And by the way, once you try the fantastic food here, you may never think of it as just a sports bar again!)

Ridgewood

KIDS FUN HOUSE

62-73 Fresh Pond Road

(718) 418-5437

Maybe your holiday party is going to be kids-oriented? Well, we couldn’t think of a better place than KIDS FUN HOUSE, a bright, splashy colorful event space that even has the grownups feeling well taken care of. Aga Dojlidko and her staff provide exceptional service and attention to detail to young and old alike, but where KIDS FUN HOUSE really shines is their theme parties, so please make sure you visit their website www.KidsFunHouse.com, or visit them in person to check the place out.

Forest Hills

PLASTER PARTY PLACE

96-09 Metropolitan Avenue

(718) 263-0960

Speaking of kids, we’re also big fans of the world of Plaster Craft painting, one of the most enjoyable, inexpensive and easy crafts available. (And adults get to participate, too.) This is one of our favorite venues for same, and there are plenty of different party packages available, just give them a call!

Williamsburg

LA LOCANDA

432 Graham Avenue

(718) 349-7800

We really love what Cono and Maria Colombo have done with what was formerly their backyard here, in creating a charming and intimate party room perfect for a moderate-size gathering. It’s got the feeling of an outdoor Italian courtyard without any of the concerns that an actual outdoor site would involve. Not only that, but you get that fantastic LA LOCANDA cuisine arriving at your table piping hot, thanks to a separate entrance from the kitchen. There’s even a separate bar for your party’s exclusive use.

Maspeth

O’NEILL’S

64-21 53rd Drive

(718) 672-9696

Depending upon how large your party is, there are any number of spaces by which O’NEILL’S can accommodate you, but we can’t help admiring the newest of them, “The New York Room,” an elegant looking brick party room with a separate entrance on 65th Place. Portraits of New York from another era lend a bit of class to the setting, and whether it’s pizza, Porterhouse, or seafood you’ve chosen – rest assured, they’ve definitely got their act together here, and you can count on your private party to be as exceptional as the O’NEILL’S menu offerings you’ve come to love.

Astoria

STUDIO SQUARE

35-33 36th Street

(718) 383-1001

Space, space, space is the hallmark of this latest entrant to the beer garden game. Especially for those looking for a somewhat hip and trendy venue in which to gather, STUDIO SQUARE’s beer selection and intriguing menu will make your holiday gathering stand out by far. Given its beer garden rep, STUDIO SQUARE indoors gets under-rated somewhat, but if you’re interested, you should give Amy or Melissa a call, or visit www.StudioSquareNYC.com.

Long Island City

THE RAVEL HOTEL

808 Queens Plaza South

(718) 289-6101

The RAVEL HOTEL is one of the most exquisite new venues around, and have quickly developed a reputation for South Beach-style luxury. Its Long Island City location gives it a spectacular view of Manhattan, and if you’re looking for something special for your holiday party or corporate get-together, this most definitely would be the place to do so. Most definitely!

Williamsburg

GIANDO ON THE WATER

400 Kent Avenue

(718) 387-7000

Nestled just beneath the Williamsburg Bridge, this is one of our favorite spots from which to view the Manhattan skyline. Your party is seated with the East River tableside, and while enjoying the spectacular ambience, you also get to avail yourself of some delectable classic Italian cuisine. Now if that ain’t Brooklyn, folks, then we don’t know what is!

Got a favorite spot of your own you’d like to share with us? Give us a holler at BestOfTheBest@QueensLedger.com, and we’ll make sure to publish you in an upcoming edition!